When I first started working after I finished college I was working 12 hours a day, seven days a week. It was part of the privilege of working for one of the top five consulting firms in the world. After two years of working that crazy schedule, I decided that hectic pace would kill me and I left to find a more balanced work experience.
As it turns out, according to the study published in the Annuals of Internal Medicine in April 2011, the thought I had 15 years ago was not that far off. In the cohort study the results showed people who worked 11 hour days typically had a 67 percent increase in developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary artery disease occurs as plaque from cholesterol forms in the arteries of the heart. The plaque causes obstructions and narrowing of the arteries so blood cannot get to the heart muscle. When the blood flow gets occluded enough it causes a heart attack.
People who worked an average of eight hours a day had a much lower risk of developing coronary artery disease. This study is really important in today’s work environment, where many companies are asking their employees to work longer hours to compensate for the change in the work force. As people we need to find a balance between work and health, so we can live healthier and more vibrant lives.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.